Apart from being loyal pets, well-trained dogs are increasingly being used as support animals to accompany owners and keep them safe while they go around completing their errands.
So if you own a pet dog and are planning to visit a Home Depot store for some home essentials, you may wonder, does Home Depot allow dogs? Here is what I’ve discovered through my research!
Does Home Depot Allow Dogs?
Although Home Depot’s official policy only allows service dogs, many Home Depot stores will welcome emotional support dogs and pet dogs. Customers should check with their local Home Depot store to ask about their policy, and if dogs are allowed, make sure theirs is well-behaved in-store.
If you want to learn more about the rules you should follow if you are bringing your dog into a Home Depot store, whether you can bring any other pets into the store, and much more, keep on reading!
What is Home Depot’s Dog Policy?
Officially, Home Depot’s pet policy states that only licensed service animals may be allowed entry into stores.
However, many Home Depot stores will welcome other dogs into stores as long as they are leashed or carried and well-behaved.
It is best to verify with your local Home Depot if it allows dogs into the store before you visit since it is at the discretion of each individual Home Depot whether it will admit dogs into stores or not.
Note that in Canada, Home Depot strictly enforces its dog policy and only allows service animals.
This is due to an incident at Home Depot where a worker was injured by a dog brought into the store.
Does Home Depot Allow Service Dogs?
Home Depot allows service dogs in its stores in order to comply with the American Disabilities Act (ADA), which permits the use of service animals to provide help.
The ADA states that service dogs are working dogs that perform crucial tasks for their owners, which is why they are allowed to accompany them and assist in places such as Home Depot.
Keep in mind that Home Depot may verify the status of your service dog, such as by asking if the dog with you is a service dog, and what service the dog provides for you.
You can file a complaint if you feel discriminated against at Home Depot while visiting with your service dog.
What Do I Need To Do To Bring My Dog To Home Depot?
Dogs brought to Home Depot need to be obedient and well-trained, and should not exhibit aggressive or unwanted behavior such as barking, which may disturb or frighten staff members or customers.
If you wish to bring your dog to Home Depot, you must always keep the dog with you and under control.
This means keeping the dog on a leash or carrying it while in Home Depot, or even putting it in a shopping cart while you visit the store.
Ideally, your dog should not need to complete any bodily functions while in Home Depot, and if an accident happens, you must clean up after your dog.
Failure to comply with this may result in you and your dog being asked to leave Home Depot.
Should I Bring My Dog To Home Depot?
Having your dog accompany you while you shop at Home Depot is a great experience, particularly as many Home Depot stores welcome dogs.
It has been reported that Home Depot employees will carry treats for visiting dogs.
However, you should only consider bringing your dog to Home Depot if they are well-trained and obedient.
It is also beneficial to have your dog calm and relaxed in public places such as Home Depot, which people and potentially other dogs will frequent.
If your dog is prone to barking, being aggressive, urinating, or defecating on the floor while at Home Depot, they may be asked to leave by staff.
Additionally, if your dog causes any damage while in Home Depot, you will be liable to pay to cover the expenses.
Can I Bring Any Other Animals to Home Depot?
Officially, the Home Depot policy only permits service dogs inside its stores, with some allowing pet dogs under certain conditions.
However, you are not allowed to bring any other (especially exotic) animals to a Home Depot store, even if your animal complies with the Fair Housing Act (FHAct).
Does Home Depot Sell Products for Dogs?
Along with being a dog-friendly store, Home Depot also sells a range of products for dogs that can be bought in-store or online.
These include items such as dog houses and beds, as well as gates and dog doors. Home Depot also has a range of toys and other essentials available for you to pamper your pooch.
To learn more, you can also see our related posts about other stores regarding whether or not Sam’s Club allows dogs, whether Walgreens allows dogs, and if Aldi allows dogs.
Conclusion
While the official corporate policy of Home Depot is that only service dogs are permitted into stores, many Home Depot stores are lenient and will allow most dogs into the store.
Dogs brought into Home Depot must be leashed, carried, or contained, and be well behaved.
Dogs brought to Home Depot that exhibit negative or aggressive behaviors may be asked to leave by employees to prevent incidents with staff or other customers.
